I have proudly represented District 66 in the Alabama House of Representatives since 2006, where I have been a strong advocate for public education. Throughout my 18 years of service, each legislative session brings new challenges, but one recurring issue that demands our attention is gaming.
I want to make it clear that I am not a gamer and I do not support the expansion of gaming in the state of Alabama. However, I am fully aware that we have a problem that has spiraled out of control. During this session, I gave my vote in favor of HB151 and 152. My decision was influenced by the prevailing concerns of my district, which were repeatedly brought to my attention.
Gaming has been a part of our society for many years now, and it is crucial that we take steps to regulate and control the existing gaming activities in our state. By implementing proper regulations and enforcement measures, we can effectively address the issue of illegal gaming while also generating tax revenues from legal gaming operations.
The second reason is that the residents of Alabama, even if they are not gamers like me, desire to have a say in this matter. They observe significant amounts of money from Alabama being spent in neighboring states. Based on the polling data and the feedback I have received from my constituents, it is clear that Alabamians want the chance to decide for themselves.
Citizens of Alabama are witnessing the positive impact of lotteries in other states. These states allocate the funds generated from the lottery exclusively towards education. Alabama can take inspiration from these states and utilize the additional revenue to support education initiatives beyond the regular budget. This could include the establishment of last dollar scholarship programs, providing students with more opportunities to pursue higher education.
It is interesting to note that all the states that border Alabama have a thriving education lottery, which generates millions of dollars for their students. It makes one wonder how much money Alabamians have contributed over the past two decades to support education in Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida.
We made sure that the House followed the right pathway by ensuring that the lottery would solely benefit education, which is what I and many others believed was the right thing to do.
If Alabama decides to implement a lottery, it should be focused on education. It is crucial to address the issue of illegal operators, and implement effective regulations and taxation for the remaining operators.
Alan Baker, a dedicated member of the Alabama House of Representatives, proudly serves the constituents of Baldwin and Escambia Counties. Prior to his political career, Baker spent an impressive 27 years in public education as both a teacher and coach. During this time, he achieved remarkable success, securing an impressive 10 state championships across multiple disciplines. With five state championships in both football and track, Baker’s commitment to excellence is evident. In 2006, he transitioned into a full-time role in the Alabama House, bringing his passion for education and leadership to the forefront of his legislative work.
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